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Synonyms

scrapper

1 American  
[skrap-er] / ˈskræp ər /

noun

  1. a person who removes or does away with scraps.


scrapper 2 American  
[skrap-er] / ˈskræp ər /

noun

Informal.
  1. a fighter or aggressive competitor, especially one always ready or eager for a fight, argument, or contest.

    the best lightweight scrapper in boxing; a rugged political scrapper.


Etymology

Origin of scrapper1

First recorded in 1640–50; scrap 1 + -er 1

Origin of scrapper2

First recorded in 1870–75; scrap 2 + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Nor would it function without Sweeney, who works best in a register somewhere between ditzy blond and tough little scrapper.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 18, 2025

Sean Dyche is a scrapper and his Everton side are enjoying a strong end to the season.

From BBC May 16, 2024

A scrapper, fighter, hustler and striver, Inez — portrayed by Taylor in a fierce, career-defining turn — will not back down when it comes to the son she insists on fighting for.

From Washington Post Mar. 29, 2023

The city's Department of Public Health eventually denied the permit the scrapper needed to operate.

From Salon Mar. 15, 2023

By what you tell me yore uncle was a big, two-fisted scrapper.

From Tangled Trails A Western Detective Story by Raine, William MacLeod

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